November 12, 2007
Smith mulling his options at quarterback position
By Larry Mayer
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – There’s probably a better chance of Coca-Cola giving its secret formula to Pepsi than Lovie Smith divulging a key personnel decision on a Monday afternoon.
So it came as no surprise when the Bears coach declined to speculate about whether Rex Grossman or Brian Griese would start at quarterback next Sunday in Seattle.
Griese suffered what Smith described Monday as a sprained left shoulder in Sunday’s 17-6 victory in Oakland. Grossman replaced Griese late in the first half and rallied the Bears by tossing a 59-yard touchdown pass to Bernard Berrian with 3:11 remaining in the game.
“It’s unclear who’s going to start Sunday,” Smith said during his Monday press conference at Halas Hall. “We finished with two guys that could play, Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton, so that’s really what we’re dealing with right now.”
Asked about a deadline to make a decision, the Bears coach said: “On Sunday before the game; that’s the only time I really need to say what’s going on. But we have practice Wednesday. Someone will be lining up out there Wednesday, someone who’s healthy and ready to go.”
Griese was injured when Raiders middle linebacker Kirk Morrison drove him into the ground on a second-quarter sack. The Bears quarterback was later carted from the sideline to the locker room.
“I don’t know what his situation is right now,” Smith said. “Whenever you don’t finish the game, you are concerned about it. I don’t know if he’ll practice Wednesday, if he’ll be able to go this weekend or anything like that.”
Asked if Griese would start if he’s able to practice, Smith said: “Well, first off, Brian needs to get cleared medically, and if he’s cleared medically, then we’ll go from there.”
In six starts since replacing Grossman, Griese has completed 61.8 percent of his passes for 1,508 yards with 9 TDs, 10 interceptions and a 77.1 passer rating. The 10-year veteran has cooled off since throwing seven TD passes in his first three starts, tossing just two in his last three games.
Against the Raiders, Griese completed 10 of 14 passes for 97 yards and a 90.5 passer rating.
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Smith mulling his options at quarterback position - Chicago Bears
Smith mulling his options at quarterback position
Smith mulling his options at quarterback position
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